WAEC 2021 Economics · Question 38
Two factors which can improve the efficiency of labour are_________
Options
- A.population size and age of retirement
- B.school leaving age and number of disabled workers
- C.work environment and health status of workers
- D.school leaving age and number of part-time workers
Answer: C. work environment and health status of workers
Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key
Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks about factors that improve the efficiency (productivity) of labour. Efficiency is about how well workers perform, meaning output per worker, not how many workers there are.
Step 2: Explain the concept Labour efficiency depends on the quality of workers and the conditions they work in. Key factors include:
- Education, training and skills
- Health and nutrition
- Working conditions and environment
- Motivation, wages and incentives
- Tools and technology available
By contrast, factors like population size, retirement age and school leaving age affect the quantity or supply of labour (how many people are available to work), not how productive each one is.
Step 3: Evaluate each option
- A. Population size and age of retirement: Both affect the size of the labour force, not efficiency. ❌
- B. School leaving age and number of disabled workers: School leaving age affects when people enter the workforce, and the number of disabled workers is a head count. Neither directly measures or improves efficiency. ❌
- C. Work environment and health status of workers: A safe, comfortable workplace and healthy workers produce more and make fewer mistakes, so output per worker rises. ✅
- D. School leaving age and number of part-time workers: Both relate to the quantity or structure of labour, not its efficiency. ❌
Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. Work environment and health status of workers.
Step 5: Exam tip Separate the two ideas in Economics questions:
- Quantity of labour → population, retirement age, school leaving age, migration
- Quality or efficiency of labour → education, training, health, working conditions, motivation
If a question says "efficiency" or "productivity", look for the option about quality, such as health, training or environment.
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